Police break lock, search Abhishek Banerjee's house for hours; Mamata arrives amid operation

Police from Salboni Police Station in Jhargram district conducted an early-morning search at the Kalighat Patuapara residence of Trinamool Congress National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday. Officers reportedly broke open a lock to enter the premises after receiving no response from inside. Central security personnel remained deployed around the residence during the operation. The search was reportedly linked to an investigation involving Sumit Roy, a close aide of Abhishek Banerjee, who has been accused of financial irregularities related to the alleged collection of money in exchange for party tickets.

According to police sources, investigators traced a mobile tower location that led them to Abhishek Banerjee's residence. A police team led by a DSP arrived in Kolkata during the night, made a General Diary entry at Kalighat Police Station, and later proceeded to the residence. Female police personnel were also part of the operation. Officers reportedly called out to occupants of the house for an extended period before deciding to break the lock and enter.

The search continued for several hours, beginning shortly after 3:00 a.m. and continuing until after 7:00 a.m. Police officials searched the premises and later left the residence. Abhishek Banerjee stated that the lock had been broken and the entire house searched, adding that all proceedings were recorded and that the family cooperated with the investigation. Sources indicated that investigators were attempting to locate Sumit Roy and could conduct further searches at other locations connected to the case.

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was reportedly present at the residence during part of the operation. A vehicle commonly used by her was seen outside the premises, and she left after the search concluded. Police personnel from Kolkata Police and central forces remained deployed in the area even after the Salboni Police team departed.

The search came amid multiple ongoing investigations involving Abhishek Banerjee. He was questioned by the CID for nearly five and a half hours earlier this week in connection with an alleged forged-signature case and has been asked to appear again. CID officials also visited his residence on Friday and served a summons in connection with a separate investigation related to his "DJ remark" case, directing him to appear before the agency on June 16. He is also scheduled to appear before the Enforcement Directorate on June 15.